Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Can Melatonin Help Beat Jet Lag?

In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about jet lag and what happens to your body when you travel across multiple time zones.

Gerald explains the role of circadian rhythms and melatonin, and shares his approach to using melatonin around long-haul travel to help reduce the effects of jet lag.

He also discusses why melatonin may be more useful for disrupted body clocks than for general sleep problems, and why it can also be relevant for shift workers.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

The Barra Bash Is Back at Lake Tinaroo

In this episode, MJ speaks with Doug Austin about the return of the Barra Bash at Lake Tinaroo and everything happening across the big fishing weekend.

Doug talks about chasing barramundi by boat, canoe or from the shore, as well as the different ways to fish for barra, sooty grunter and even catfish.

The weekend also has plenty happening off the water, with food trucks, market stalls, kids' activities, casting competitions, line dancing and a $10,000 lucky entry draw.

Doug also runs through the fishing times and what's planned for the big family day on Sunday.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

In this episode, MJ chats with American/Australian baritone Don Windsor, who has gone from growing up on a farm in Kansas to performing in musical theatre productions around the world before eventually calling the Atherton Tablelands home.

Don talks about his career, performing in shows including Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia, meeting some big names along the way, and why he decided to step away from the constant travelling to raise his four boys.

He also shares what audiences can expect from his upcoming Father's Day concert, including some favourite songs from his career, a special song that meant a lot to his dad, and some crowd pleasers.

It's a great conversation about music, family, following your path and finding a place to call home.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

In this episode, MJ speaks with Ian Maclean from Night Sky Secrets about the upcoming full moon and the fascinating stories connected to it.

Ian shares the traditional Yolngu story of Ngalindi, the Moon Man, a fisherman who appears as the Hungry Crescent Moon. As Ngalindi catches more and more fish, he grows bigger and fatter in the night sky, but there's one problem: he's not sharing the tucker with his wives.

As his wives become increasingly angry with his greed, Ngalindi eventually learns that there are consequences for keeping all the fish to himself...

The conversation also explores what you can see in the night sky right now, including Venus, satellites and a new comet, along with upcoming Night Sky Secrets tours.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

Connect with Ian here

Night Sky Secrets: https://nightskysecrets.com.au

Shingles Isn't Just an Older Person's Problem

In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about the rise in shingles cases among younger adults.

Gerald explains why people who have previously had chickenpox can develop shingles later in life, what symptoms to look out for, and why getting symptoms checked early can make a difference.

He also discusses the pain that can come with shingles and why, for some people, nerve pain can continue long after the initial infection has gone.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

Could Vitamin B3 Help Manage Glaucoma?

In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about new research into glaucoma and the potential role of vitamin B3.

Gerald explains what glaucoma is, why managing eye pressure is so important, and discusses research suggesting vitamin B3 may help reduce eye pressure in people living with glaucoma.

He also talks about the importance of ongoing treatment and why anyone with glaucoma should speak with their doctor, ophthalmologist or optometrist before making changes to their care.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

Building Resilience Through Rugby League and Connection

In this episode, MJ speaks with Tamika Upton about her involvement in a partnership between the School for Living, Youth Justice and Queensland Rugby League, supporting young people on Mornington Island.

Tamika shares how she's using video messages and her own experiences in rugby league to connect with students, encourage goal setting, build resilience, and remind young people that their future doesn't have to follow one particular path.

The conversation explores the importance of showing up, staying committed, managing challenges and taking things one step at a time, with Tamika encouraging young people to keep pursuing whatever goals they choose for themselves.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about recognising the warning signs of a stroke and why acting quickly matters.

Recorded during National Stroke Week, held from 3 to 9 August 2026, Gerald breaks down the FAST acronym, explaining what to look for when it comes to Face, Arms and Speech, and why Time is the most important part of the message.

Even though National Stroke Week has passed, the message is one worth remembering.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, getting medical help quickly can make all the difference.

Listen to the full conversation.

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

Celebrating 50 Years Deadly in Wujal Wujal

Black Star Radio's Mark Hogan takes you to Wujal Wujal for the community's 2026 NAIDOC Week celebration, marking 50 Years Deadly.

Hear from Mayor Alister Gibson, Community Services Manager Kesa Strieby and local community members as they reflect on the importance of NAIDOC Week, honouring Elders, celebrating culture and passing stories, language and traditions on to future generations.

From performances by Wujal Wujal State School students to shared meals and community celebrations, this episode captures the pride, resilience and connection that made the day so special.

Listen to the full conversation.

Cover photo: Thanks to Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

In this episode, MJ speaks with Chad King, CEO of the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, about the unveiling of a new statue that honours an important chapter in the community's history.

The statue depicts an unnamed woman holding a baby as she watches a ship carrying her family away from Mapoon to New Mapoon.

Chad explains why the memorial is so significant, not only as a tribute to those who lived through these events, but as a lasting reminder for future generations to understand the history, resilience, and enduring connection the people of Mapoon have with their Country.

Listen now to the full conversation on Stars and Stories.

Check out the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council Live Stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXJPn1u_2lQ

----more----

Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au